Latest updates from top global and Saudi news sources
Last updated: 7 May 2026, 1:02 PM (Saudi time)
Saudi Arabia restricted entry to Makkah from 13 April 2026 to Hajj permit holders only and suspended Umrah permits from 18 April to 31 May 2026 as the Kingdom prepares for the Hajj pilgrimage beginning around 25 May.
Saudia has launched Hajj 2026 operations with 160 aircraft and over one million seats spanning 145 global destinations, as part of Saudi Arabia's total air transport plan of 3.1 million seats across 12,000 flights.
Saudi Arabia has imposed fines of up to SAR 100,000 for facilitating unauthorised Hajj and up to SAR 20,000 for pilgrims performing Hajj without a permit, alongside 10-year re-entry bans for violators.
4 residents and a citizen arrested in Makkah for posting fake Hajj service ads Saudi Gazette
flyadeal Expands Hajj Services: 85,000 Pilgrims to Be Transported in Largest Operation Yet in 2026 Travel And Tour World
Govt ensures full support for Hajj pilgrims: Cabinet Secretary ANTARA News
Saudi Arabia eases Makkah entry permits for six categories during Hajj season madhyamamonline.com
Saudia commences Hajj 2026 operations with over 1 mn seats ET TravelWorld
Danantara waiting for Hajj Village land tender results ANTARA News